News

At Nursing Pinning Ceremony, History-Making Alumna Sandra Lindsay Encourages Graduates to Get Coronavirus Vaccine
Dr. Sandra Lindsay, the first person in the United States to receive the coronavirus vaccine, told the 78 graduates of the BMCC nursing program that she was proud of them during the 2021 nursing pinning ceremony on June 2.  Lindsay also implored anyone in the BMCC community who has not yet gotten the vaccine against the deadly virus, to do so, not only for themselves, but for their community. “If we care about our community and we care about each other, we have to all do our part to eradicate this virus once and for all,” said Dr. Lindsay.

Join Class of 2021 Virtual Celebration, June 4
The COVID-19 pandemic may be putting other celebrations on hold, but not at BMCC! We are happy to celebrate the academic success of our students and we wish them well in their future endeavors as they demonstrate our college’s slogan — Start Here. Go Anywhere. The commencement will feature alumna Sandra Lindsay, first to receive the Covid vaccination, as BMCC’s 2021 President’s Medal Honoree. Fine arts scholar and photographer Fernanda Carvalho Santos is the 2021 Valedictorian and the Dean’s Award Recipient is SGA President and Writing and Literature major Josiah Ramesar

Vaccination Incentive: 12- to 17-year-olds Can Enter Drawing for Full CUNY Scholarship 
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the Get a Shot to Make Your Future incentive for 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Participants can now enter a random prize drawing and potentially receive a full scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY college. New York State will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks for a total of 50 winners. "Vaccination rates across the state are beginning to slow and our greatest need is with young New Yorkers who make up a large percent of positive cases and have the lowest vaccination percentage in the state," Governor Cuomo said. "The earlier you get vaccinated, the more chances you have to win—it's free, there's no appointments and you also have a chance to win a full scholarship, so if you haven't already done so, go get vaccinated."

Announcements

Professor Macaya Wins Best Book in Latin American Visual Culture Studies The Insubordination of Photography: Documentary Practices Under Chile's Dictatorship (University of Florida Press, 2020) by Associate Professor of Spanish in the Modern Languages Department Ángeles Donoso Macaya, received the 2021 Section Award for Best Book in Latin American Visual Culture Studies Award at the Latin American Studies Association Virtual Congress, May 26-29. “After Augusto Pinochet rose to power in Chile in 1973, his government abducted, abused and executed thousands of his political opponents,” says Professor Macaya. “The Insubordination of Photography is the first book to analyze how various collectives, organizations and independent media used photography to expose and protest the crimes of Pinochet’s authoritarian regime.” The book features never-before-seen photographs and archival material as it reflects on the role of images in public memory and issues of reparation and justice.

Early Voting Comes to BMCC, June 12-20 Primary Day is June 22 — and from June 12 through June 20, BMCC is opening its campus to NYC voters for Early Voting in this year’s primary elections for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents and City Council. Voters assigned to the BMCC Early Voting site will enter 199 Chambers Street through the West Street entrance and proceed to the lower atrium of the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. “We take great pride in our role as a public institution to encourage and support civic engagement and voter participation—not only for our students, but for the city as a whole,” said Doug Israel, Director of Government and Community Relations. “We are pleased to be able to offer the space at BMCC for early voting and urge all New Yorkers to make their voice heard through the ballot box.” To learn more check out CUNY Votes.

Deadline June 18: Nominate an Outstanding Employee or Team for the Employee Appreciation Award Time to cast your ballot! BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for the  2020-2021 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards presented to full- and part-time administrative, support and service (non-teaching) staff members in appreciation of their quality of work and dedication to the College. Eligible staff include Civil Service series (including Provisional), College Assistants, Research Foundation employees, Gittleson (COA, CSA, CAA) and HEO Title Series. Full- and part-time faculty are not eligible for this award. The deadline for ballot submissions is Friday, June 18.  Submit one ballot ONLY with nominations for one or more of these categories: Leadership Award, Inspiration Award, Innovation/Technology Award, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

How to Submit Requests to the Office of Public Affairs The BMCC Office of Public Affairs builds support for BMCC’s mission and promotes the accomplishments of its constituencies. The Office of Public Affairs also helps implement strategic communications initiatives and events that support academic programs, faculty research, student achievement and community engagement. To request assistance from the Office of Public Affairs, please fill out this form and provide a project description and other details.

Enter 199 Chambers Street at West Street Entrance While Ramp Is Closed 
To complete the Plaza Roofing Replacement Project before Fall 2021, ramp access to the BMCC entrance at 199 Chambers Street will be off-limits to the general public. Access to the main campus will be through the West Gate (on West Street at the south end of the building, and adjacent to Theatre I). As you walk west on Chambers Street, turn right at the intersection of Chambers and West Street, and the West Gate will be about 200 feet north. A Public Safety team member and signage will guide members of the community into the main building. Thank you for your cooperation.

Free Immersion Program for Remedial Courses
BMCC immersion workshops and tutorial programs provide eligible students a chance to complete certain courses they did not pass, or need to take to satisfy their remedial requirements. Both immersion workshops and tutorial programs are free. Click here to see the workshops and tutorials offered in Summer 2021. For more information, contact immersion@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Equity Is our Strength 
BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity, and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. If you have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment, you can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

Learn More About Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) at BMCC 
Under the guidance of BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe, the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) steering committee explores ways to dismantle systemic racism and structural inequality by advancing equity, inclusion and justice for students, staff, faculty and all BMCC communities. As the conscience of the College, the REI steering committee strives to amplify all BMCC members' voices, providing actionable items for the College to prioritize and institutionalize. For more information, visit the REI webpage or contact REI@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Were You in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001?
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, BMCC invites students, faculty, staff and alumni who were present in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001 or were a member of the BMCC community for the rest of that semester and school year to share their thoughts and experiences. A planning committee led by Vice President Marva Craig is organizing the college's commemoration of this important milestone and there will be a variety of platforms through which to participate. Please begin by completing this form.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
Whether focusing on fitness or finding support in a time of crisis, the Resilience, Health and Wellness website provides resources and news for students, faculty and staff. As BMCC President Anthony Munroe puts it, “As a community, we need to reach out to each other, encourage each other to access the resources available to us. No one has to experience this time alone.”

Daily Everbridge Wellness Screening Mandatory for Faculty, Students, Visitors and Staff All visitors to the BMCC campus must complete a daily health screening using the Everbridge App or the Everbridge Email Option. Students, faculty and staff can use this Instructional Guide and visitors can use this Visitor's Guide. The CUNY FAQ guide is also helpful. For those who do not have a smartphone, go to the Everbridge Member Portal and sign up, using your CUNY login credentials to receive email notifications. To protect your own health, as well as that of the BMCC community, it is important to be accurate as possible in self reporting on the Wellness app.

Reimagining BMCC Website Provides Quick Reference to Student Resources Scroll down the Reimagining BMCC website to find Faculty Resources, Staff Resources and Student Resources—the last of which includes a listing of services, offices, hours of operation and virtual contact information to help you guide students toward resources during the academic year. Other sections provide information on campus reopening, procedures, safety measures and more.

Have You Traveled Outside New York Recently? New Everbridge Guidelines Apply.
The Everbridge COVID screening has been modified to meet New York travel guidelines. It will ask the question, "Have you traveled outside of New York State or traveled internationally during the past seven days?"

• If you have traveled to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont during the past seven days, you must answer “No”
• If you have traveled to a state other than Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont in the last seven days, or if you have traveled internationally, you must answer “Yes”

Enrollment

Catch Up on Credits or Get Back on Track to Earning a Degree This Summer 
Summer classes at BMCC help students jump start their fall semester, catch up on credits or get back on track to earning a degree. BMCC offers summer class schedules ranging from six to 12 weeks. Session Two starts July 20. Tuition waivers are available for certain summer courses. Students enrolled at other CUNY schools are welcome to enroll in BMCC summer courses through e-permit. Learn more about Summer at BMCC and important deadlines, as well as application and financial aid information here.

Summer/Fall 2021 Advisement and Registration is Open  Faculty and staff, please encourage students to schedule a Zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialists on Zoom, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Application Workshop Walks Students Through the Process 
Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., admissions specialists will answer questions and explain how to complete the BMCC application or apply as a readmit student. BMCC uses the CUNY Application to admit new students, and in these sessions, staff will walk students through the whole process—from completing the CUNY application online to figuring out how to send BMCC their school transcripts to complete their applications.

Information Session Demystifies Majors, Financial Aid and More
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m, BMCC admissions specialists will share information about major options, financial aid, career planning and more.

Stay Connected with the Office of Admissions 
Students who prefer communicating via chat, can ask general questions about BMCC on Fridays at 3 p.m., through one-on-one chat sessions.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media 
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat.

Making Headlines

Sandra Lindsay, first person in U.S. to receive coronavirus vaccine, speaks at BMCC nursing ceremony
June 3, 4, 2021—NY 1

BMCC one of 250 institutions participating in DOE Covid-19 College Challenge to encourage vaccinations
June 3, 2021—University Business

Sandra Lindsay, nation’s first vaccine recipient, speaks at BMC nursing pinning ceremony, to receive President’s medal
June 2, 2021—Today in New York, NBC

BMCC Theatre Professor Charles Burks featured playwright at National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem
June 1, 2021—Winston Salem Journal

Ethnic and Race Studies Professor J.C. Polanco weighs in on mayor’s race
June 1, 2021—Gothamist, New York 1

Adult Education instructor Mark Lance discusses writing during the pandemic
May 31, 2021—Montclair Local

Teacher Education Professor Vilma Daley’s time on parish pastoral council profiled in story
May 28, 2021—The Tablet

Human Resources

LGBTQIA+ 101: Creating Inclusive Spaces Join WorkWell in celebrating Pride Awareness Month this June by tuning in to this discussion on Wednesday, June 16 at 12 p.m. to learn how to create inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Register Here

Make Your Appointment at a CUNY Employee-Only Vaccination Site
All CUNY employees are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine an employee-only site. To book an appointment, use your employee ID number at either use Bronx/Queens/Staten Island or Brooklyn/Manhattan sites, or go to these sites: 

• The Bronx, Hunts Point Job Center, 847 Barretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474  
• Brooklyn, George Wingate High School, 600 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203  
• Manhattan, Louis D. Brandeis High School, 145 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024 
• Queens, NYC Department of Health Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 
• Queens, Queens Public Library – Flushing, 41-17 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355  
• Staten Island, Susan E. Wagner High School, 1200 Manor Rd Staten Island, NY 10314  

WPV and ESPARC Training Deadlines: July 30 Deadline 
All BMCC employees must complete Workplace Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) trainings. Part-time employees should have completed both trainings by the end of the Spring 2021 semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30. To take the trainings, go to CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage.

Payroll Distribution: Thursday, June 10
Employees who do not receive direct deposit can pick up their paper check from 3 to 5 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Theater I, Lower Lobby. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More Through June 18  WorkWell (WW) Digital presents chair yoga, kickboxing and more, so register now. Other free virtual workshops are available on nyc.gov. As City of New York employees, WW members and their families have three discounted plan options: Digital, Digital 360, and Workshops + Digital. Recipe of the month, Grilled Corn & Avocado Salsa.

Outdoor Fun With FitFest with Workwell June 6
Come out and enjoy a workout with other City employees. Sunday, June 6 from 9 until 11 a.m. at Sakura Park, 500 Riverside Drive in Manhattan. Register Here.

9/11 Victims Compensation Fund: File Claim by July 29  If you were employed or a student at BMCC between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, please know that the deadline for filing a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the certification of an illness by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) or two years after the death of a loved one. With the permanent reauthorization of the VCF in 2019, a two-year window allows previously time-barred claims (claims which were not filed within the time limit) to be submitted. This extension, however, expires on July 29, 2021. More information is available at vcf.gov/deadlines. NOTE: Several firms specialize in World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund claims, and can be viewed in the 911 Victims Fund PDF. BMCC/CUNY does not endorse any of these firms, and they are listed solely for informational purposes. You may find additional resources by doing a World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund Google search.

Alumni and Donors

Give the Gift of Education
Your generous donations go a long way in funding scholarships, research and programs, and allow us to continue delivering quality education to our students. Ways to give include Direct Gifts, Gifts of Securities, Gifts of Real Estate and many more. For more information, please visit the Ways to Give website, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email Lorna Malcolm, Vice President, Institutional Advancement at lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers The CARES Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction for cash donations made to public charities. For 2021 only, the maximum amount joint filers may deduct, doubles to $600. (Single filers or married filers who file separately are limited to $300.) Please consider a charitable donation to Giving to BMCC Foundation. For more information, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lorna Malcolm, lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Career Development: Microsoft 30-day Cloud Challenge Power Platform Fundamentals Cram Session
June 7

Panther Success Week: VIP Event
June 8

BLA Transfer Meet Up Series: Private Universities
June 9

International Admissions Information Session for F-1 Students
June 9

How to get A's in College Workshop
June 10

Connect with BMCC

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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.